Lowland League: Spartans depleted for Selkirk trip

ROSS PILCHER

DOUGIE SAMUEL admits Spartans are likely to be without one of two more first-team regulars for tonight’s Ferrari Packaging Lowland League game against Selkirk at Yarrow Park.

Captain Ally MacKinnon, Jack Beesley and John Grant have yet to feature competitively after injuries picked up during pre-season. Grant was an unused sub in Saturday’s 4-2 over Dalbeattie Star (still managing to pick up a booking for dissent) and may have some involvement either tonight. Others are also doubts.

“The only one that’s maybe close to getting minutes this week is John Grant,” said Samuel.

“He was still feeling a bit tight during the warm-up on Saturday and, unfortunately, one or two were the same at the end. Dean Horribine was feeling his hamstring and Danny Main feeling his groin so he’s a major doubt for tonight so it looks like we’ll have even more players out.”

Samuel knows his squad will be tested even further in the Borders this evening.

“It’s no secret we’re missing five or six so the squad’s stretched a little just now. I think the time to judge us will be when we’ve got everybody available and a few more options in attack. We were certainly pleased to get our first win last Saturday and we know Selkirk will be really difficult. They score a lot of goals and are difficult to play against at their own place – it’s going to be a really, difficult game.”

Champions Edinburgh City are back in familiar territory, sitting unbeaten atop the table with three wins from three. They host Gala Fairydean Rovers and influential midfielder Ian McFarland is back in contention, albeit still requiring some facial protection after his involvement in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cumbernauld Colts.

Colin Jack followed up his first point as Preston Athletic boss with his first win on Saturday, Chris Moffatt again on target as they beat Threave Rovers 1-0. Jack will be hoping he can repeat the trick at the Pennypit tonight against Edinburgh University, who are still seeking their first points of the campaign. Dorian Ogunro’s men will have to earn them without captain Duncan Black, who is suspended following his stoppage-time sending-off in last midweek’s home defeat to Edinburgh City.

Whitehill Welfare are aiming for their third win on the bounce as they face BSC Glasgow at Ferguson Park.